2018 HONDA HR-V RS

Honda_HR-V_RS_front
Following our recent two-week outback holiday in Queensland driving a Honda CR-V we moved across into the HR-V’s smaller brother, the Honda HR-V. In particular a newly introduced model, the RS which is a semi sporty variant.

The introduction of the RS brings the 2018 HR-V range to four model grades: VTi, VTi-S, RS and VTi-LX.

STYLING
The HR-V RS has 18-inch alloy wheels, black chromed main grille, honeycomb lower grille and foglight garnish. Keeping up the dark theme it has black door mirrors; dark chromed door handles; and a piano black body kit.

Inside, are heated leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and gear knob and alloy sports pedals.

The above details are of the new HR-V RS, however Honda has taken the opportunity to facelift the rest of the HR-V range. We are told that these are based on the oft-lauded styling of the Honda Civic. The updates include a new front bumper and grille across the range and LED headlights from the VTi-S upwards.

POWERTRAIN
Though it’s aimed at the sportier side of the SUV market, new HR-V RS doesn’t have any more performance as it retains the standard 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine that continues to produce 105 kilowatts of power, with torque of 172 Newton metres.

All HR-V models have a CVT automatic, but in this latest upgrade of the range it features stepped ratios at full throttle. This gives a sporty feel without taking too much away from the added efficiency of a CVT. There are paddle shifters on the RS if the driver doesn’t agree on the ratio chosen by the computer.

Honda_HR-V_RS_rear

INFOTAINMENT
The HR-V offers advanced audio, information and connectivity features via a 7.0-inch touch screen. There’s Bluetooth connectivity for Apple and Android systems, including audio streaming, Siri with Apple iPhone and HDMI audio.

SAFETY
As well as the normal suite of passive and active safety systems, the RS has Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning. The latter determines if the vehicle is unintentionally leaving the lane and gives visible and audible warnings to tell the driver to concentrate on driving.

DRIVING
Stepping out of the Honda CR-V into the smaller HR-V was interesting. There is less loss of interior space than we had expected. Certainly it’s smaller, but two adults can be carried comfortably in the back without too much compromising between front and rear occupants.

The RS’s luggage area isn’t a lot smaller either and, of course, uses Honda’s excellent fully flat ‘magic’ system that’s spacious and easy to use.

New-design front seats are fitted to the RS. These gave good support and comfort during our test period. Honda tells us additional insulation for a quieter cabin in RS and the interior ambience felt like that of a larger, more upmarket SUV.

Incidentally, the topline HR-V model, the VTi-LX, also receives the same seats and extra insulation as the new RS.

Honda_HR-V_RS_interior

Much of the work to produce the semi sporty RS is in the suspension and handling department with firmer damper and spring rates for reduced body roll. In an interesting move the RS has a new variable steering gear ratio of 2.38:1 compared to the 2.79:1 of the other in the HR-V range.

You wouldn’t exactly call this a track day car, but there was plenty of driving pleasure from the way the RS felt when we took it over our hilly test route behind our home on the Gold Coast. It’s quick to respond to steering inputs, isn’t fazed by sudden changes of direction and throttle control in bends works nicely.

Comfort hasn’t suffered overmuch, though some passengers did say it bumped around more than they liked on some of the harsher road segments.

Tyre noise is generally pretty good though good-old Aussie coarse-chip surfaces do increase it, particularly on newer surfaced segments.

You don’t get something for nothing in this world and as keen drivers we are more than happy with the way this Honda feels. As always do your own pre-purchase test drive and make sure you cover the sort of roads that you will be following in day-to-day driving. And perhaps take it for a fang on your favourite Sunday-drive roads.

SUMMING UP
Honda’s new RS variant of the popular HR-V is enjoyable to drive and a competent load carrier. It would certainly get a place on our short list if we are contemplating a small-medium SUV.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
VTi: $24,990 (CVT automatic)
VTi-S: $27,990 (CVT automatic)
RS: $31,990 (CVT automatic)
VTi-LX: $34,590 (CVT automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Honda dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Honda HR-V RS 1.8-litre petrol five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.799 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 105 kW @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 172 Nm @ 4300 rpm
Fuel Type: Standard unleaded petrol
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 160 g/km

DRIVELINE: CVT

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4294 mm
Wheelbase: 2610 mm
Width: 1772 mm
Height: 1605 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 1328 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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